Shepley Co-op members visit to Howarth and Hebden Bridge

Blog by Carol Warham, Vice-Chair, Yorkshire Membership & Community Council.

Visit took place on 11th September.

Wearing raincoats and clutching umbrellas, we boarded the coach for our September Heritage Visit, fearing the worst as heavy rain had been forecast for the morning, at least.

On arrival at Howarth, it was a blustery, chilly, wind which greeted us, but as we began our stroll down from the Parsonage, the sun came out and it turned warm.

            Unfortunately, we discovered that the Bronte Parsonage was closed on a Tuesday. However, there was still plenty to see. We strolled around the churchyard and went into the church, St Michael and All the Angels, where Patrick Bronte was once the minister, and all the family, except Anne, are buried. The old school room where all the Bronte children taught, and Charlotte held her wedding reception.

            There were some lovely shops to explore, chocolate, books, gifts and curiosities. It didn’t take us long to find some very good cafes also. It was a pleasure to walk down with the sun on our faces. The coach having dropped us off behind the Parsonage, met us at the bottom of the hill.

            We had a delightful, scenic drive to Hebden Bridge, taking just over half an hour. Happily, we were dropped off close to the centre near the canal. The sun continued to shine and soon people were sitting outside at cafes, some in their t-shirts.  Hebden Bridge is famous for its artists, history, individual shops, the canal boats and beautiful scenery. We explored all of these, including a lovely walk along the canal and returning through the park, finishing off with an ice cream, sitting outside, of course.